L to R: Thom Clark, Fernando Diaz, Megan Cottrell, Dave Hoekstra, Lorne Clarkson. (photo by Olga Lopez)

It was a night to remember. A hearty thank you to everyone who attended and lent their support, March 14, as Community Media Workshop once again honored media professionals, who like Studs Terkel, bring the voices of ordinary people to mainstream attention.

“Their work makes a difference. Their work opens eyes and hearts,” blogged Chicago Sun-Times staff writer Dave Hoekstra about the work of fellow 2013 Terkel Award winners, Megan Cottrell and Fernando Diaz.

Presented annually since 1994, the Studs Terkel Media Awards honor outstanding media professionals for excellence in covering and reflecting Chicago’s diverse communities. Terkel Awards highlight reporters who take risks in covering social issues by offering new or unusual perspectives on topics of general concern, from housing to neighborhood safety and beyond. The awards reward a body of work rather than a single article or series, and go to journalists at any stage of their career.

Missed the event? Read Hoekstra’s beautifully-crafted acceptance speech, and keep  your eyes peeled for more information on next year’s 25th Anniversary event, it’s one you don’t want to miss. Pictures from the 2013 bash coming soon!

View from Cliff Dweller's Club

On a gorgeous autumnal evening with the sparkling city as backdrop, friends of the Community Media Workshop gathered last night at the historic Cliff Dwellers club to hear a panel deliver a progress report on the first six months of Mayor Rahm Emmanuel. Moderator Dave Stewart guided the discussion between Richard Barnett, Ric Munoz, Amisha Patel and Don Rose. With current city budget negotiations as a context, the group looked at the mayor’s “success” as a technocrat and “shortcomings” on the human side of the ledger. TIFs, school reform, cops, even Occupy Chicago all gained attention during a brisk hour conversation. Many thanks to all who participated or attended. Watch this space for links to the CAN TV and WBEZ/Chicago Amplified recordings of the evening’s program.

From left to right: Moderator Dave Stewart, Don Rose, Ald. Ric Munoz, Amisha Patel and Richard Barnett

View more pictures on our Facebook Page! Come join us for our other upcoming events: African-American Media discussion at Little Black Pearl, What does Chicago’s new budget mean for you?

Check out some of the photos from the 2010 Making Media Connections conference. Special Thanks to our photographers Bob Black, Olga Lopez and Jonathan Werve. They look great!